Kenya marked a notable return to the global pageant stage in 2025 through Fridah Muthoni Kariuki, known as Noni, who competed at the 63rd Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan. After a four-year absence from the competition, Kenya’s participation was reinstated with Kariuki’s appointment as Miss International Kenya 2025, bringing renewed attention to the country’s role in beauty, advocacy, and sustainable development.
A Strong Foundation in Climate and Youth Advocacy
Noni Kariuki entered the pageant with a well-established profile in environmental action and community leadership. A graduate of Kenya Methodist University (KEMU) and former Miss Tourism Africa 2022, she has been active in conservation education and climate engagement through her initiative Green Age Warriors.
Her work includes:
- Co-authoring a children’s book on natural resource protection
- Participating as a youth delegate during COP26 climate discussions
- Contributing conservation reporting with NK Earth TV
- Supporting Kenya Forest Service activities and national tree-planting programs
- Ranking in the Top 20 at Miss Earth Kenya 2020, winning the Eco Angel Outfit Award
- Earning recognition as Wowzi Best Nano Creator 2022 for socially impactful digital content
These efforts positioned her as a representative whose advocacy extended beyond pageantry into meaningful public engagement.
National Support and Crowning
Kariuki was officially crowned in October 2025 by First Daughter Charlene Ruto, acting on behalf of The Young People’s Network International (TYPNI). Her crowning ceremony generated national interest, particularly as Kenya prepared to rejoin Miss International after several years away. Charlene Ruto later travelled to Tokyo to support her, reinforcing the national significance placed on Kenya’s renewed presence at the competition.
Public voting for Kariuki was available through the official Miss International application, aligning her participation with the pageant’s digital engagement initiatives.
Performance at Miss International 2025
Held at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium, the 63rd edition of Miss International featured over 70 delegates presenting cultural, social, and sustainability-focused platforms. Kariuki highlighted Kenya’s environmental commitments and the importance of community-driven development, with an emphasis on partnerships addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
While she did not advance into the final placements, she earned the Miss Sustainability 2025 award, a distinction recognizing her consistent environmental advocacy and the strength of her SDG project video. Her achievement brought positive visibility to Kenya and reinforced the relevance of sustainability within modern pageantry.
Impact and Continued Influence
Kariuki’s representation contributed to a surge of public interest in Kenya’s participation in global competitions, particularly searches related to Miss International Kenya 2025, Kenya’s pageant rankings, and environmental advocacy in beauty pageants.
Her work has reinforced the evolving perception of pageantry as a platform for education, climate action, and youth leadership. Through her environmental outreach, storytelling, and community programs, she continues to demonstrate how national representatives can advance development agendas beyond the competition stage.
Conclusion
Fridah Muthoni Kariuki’s tenure as Miss International Kenya 2025 marks a significant chapter in Kenya’s global representation. Her sustainability award, coupled with her established background in conservation and youth engagement, positions her as a leader whose influence extends well beyond the pageant.
Her participation highlights Kenya’s renewed commitment to international pageantry and its alignment with global conversations on climate resilience, education, and empowerment.
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